Qurbani and Aqiqah are two important Islamic rituals that involve the sacrifice of animals for the sake of Allah (SWT). Both of them have many benefits and rewards for the Muslims who perform them and the people who receive them. However, they also have some differences and similarities that you should know. In this article, we will explain what Qurbani and Aqiqah are, why they are performed, how they are performed, and what are their differences and similarities.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani is the act of sacrificing an animal during the days of Eid al-Adha, which is the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Qurbani is an obligatory duty for every Muslim who has reached puberty and has enough wealth to afford it. Qurbani is a way of following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) for the sake of Allah (SWT), but Allah (SWT) replaced him with a ram. Qurbani is also a way of expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His blessings and mercy.
What is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is the act of sacrificing an animal on the occasion of a child’s birth. It is a recommended sunnah for every Muslim who can afford it. Aqiqah should be performed on the seventh day after the birth of the child, or as soon as possible after that. Aqiqah is a way of celebrating the birth of a child and giving thanks to Allah (SWT) for His gift. Aqiqah is also a way of protecting the child from harm and evil.
Why Perform Qurbani and Aqiqah?
Qurbani and Aqiqah have many benefits and rewards for both the performers and the recipients. Here are some of them:
- Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of worship that bring one closer to Allah (SWT) and earn His pleasure and forgiveness.
- Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of charity that help feed the poor and needy and share the joy with them.
- Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of obedience that follow the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and show love and devotion to them.
- Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of purification that cleanse one from sins and faults.
- Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of solidarity that strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity among Muslims.
How to Perform Qurbani and Aqiqah?
Qurbani and Aqiqah have some rules and guidelines that should be followed to ensure their validity and acceptance. Here are some of them:
- The animals that can be sacrificed for Qurbani and Aqiqah are sheep, goats, cows, camels, or buffaloes. The animals should be healthy, free from defects, and have reached a certain age. For sheep and goats, the minimum age is one year; for cows, buffaloes, and camels, the minimum age is two years.
- The number of animals that should be sacrificed for Qurbani depends on the type of animal. For sheep and goats, one animal suffices for one person or one family; for cows, buffaloes, and camels, one animal suffices for seven people or seven families.
- The number of animals that should be sacrificed for Aqiqah depends on the gender of the child. For a boy, two animals should be sacrificed; for a girl, one animal should be sacrificed.
- The time of sacrifice for Qurbani is from after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until before sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The time of sacrifice for Aqiqah is preferably on the seventh day after the birth of the child, or any day after that.
- The intention of sacrifice for Qurbani should be to seek Allah’s (SWT) pleasure and reward; the intention of sacrifice for Aqiqah should be to give thanks to Allah (SWT) for His gift and to protect the child from harm.
- The method of sacrifice for Qurbani and Aqiqah should be according to Islamic law, which requires slaughtering the animal by cutting its throat with a sharp knife in a swift manner while saying “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- The distribution of the meat for Qurbani and Aqiqah should be done in a fair and generous manner. The meat should be divided into three parts: one for oneself and one’s family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. Alternatively, the meat can be given entirely to the poor and needy.
What are the Differences and Similarities Between Qurbani and Aqiqah?
Qurbani and Aqiqah have some differences and similarities that can be summarized as follows:
- Qurbani is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty and has enough wealth to afford it; Aqiqah is recommended for every Muslim who can afford it.
- Qurbani is performed during the days of Eid al-Adha; Aqiqah is performed on the occasion of a child’s birth.
- Qurbani is a way of following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS); Aqiqah is a way of celebrating the birth of a child.
- Qurbani requires one animal for one person or one family; Aqiqah requires two animals for a boy and one animal for a girl.
- Qurbani and Aqiqah both involve the sacrifice of animals for the sake of Allah (SWT).
- Qurbani and Aqiqah both have benefits and rewards for the performers and the recipients.
- Qurbani and Aqiqah both have rules and guidelines that should be followed to ensure their validity and acceptance.
We hope that this article has helped you understand what Qurbani and Aqiqah are, why they are performed, how they are performed, and what are their differences and similarities. We also hope that this article has inspired you to perform Qurbani and Aqiqah with sincerity and generosity, and to share the joy with your brothers and sisters in Islam. May Allah (SWT) accept your Qurbani and Aqiqah, and bless you with His mercy and grace. Ameen.
